5 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Istanbul, Türkiye (and Where to Stay)
In November 2024, I visited Istanbul, Türkiye for the first time. I went to Istanbul for the annual Society of American Travel Writers Convention, which takes place in a different destination every year, but when it was announced that the 2024 convention would be in Istanbul, I was immediately nervous about accessibility. I wondered if I could even visit as a powered wheelchair user. Would the city offer accessible things to do and accessible transportation? I had no idea, but I was determined to find out and visit Istanbul if it was possible.
When I started researching accessibility in Istanbul, I was pleasantly surprised. Disabled Accessible Travel, a company that I previously used in Italy and Croatia, offered wheelchair accessible Istanbul tours with fully accessible transportation. Upon realizing that, I signed up for the convention and started planning my trip. And I’m so glad I did because Istanbul became one of my favorite trips in a long time.
My mom, our friend Kayla, and I had a few days before and after the convention to explore the city, so we made the most of it with Disabled Accessible Travel. During our time in Istanbul, we visited some phenomenal attractions, including the iconic Hagia Sophia mosque, ate delicious Turkish food (Türkiye seriously might be my new favorite country for food!), and we had such a fun time that we didn’t want to say goodbye to Istanbul at the end of our trip.
If you are curious about exploring Istanbul as a wheelchair user, this guide will help you plan a trip of your own. I’ll start by telling you about some of the best wheelchair accessible Istanbul attractions and things to do, and then I’ll tell you about the fantastic hotel we stayed in. By the time you finish reading this guide, you should be well prepared to experience the charm of Istanbul, Türkiye!
Wheelchair Accessible Istanbul Attractions & Things to Do
Your options for wheelchair accessible Istanbul attractions are nearly limitless, but due to only having a few days to explore the city, we tried our best to see the highlights. Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul as a wheelchair user –
See the beauty of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom,” has a long and interesting history. Originally built as a Christian cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and dedicated in 537 AD, it served as the largest church in the world for nearly a thousand years. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque under Sultan Mehmed II. In 1935, under the direction of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was secularized and became a museum. Most recently, in 2020, it was re-converted into a mosque and is once again a place of worship.
My visit to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was a long-awaited moment, but I knew from the start that it would present some unique challenges. The historic site does not allow power wheelchairs inside, which meant I had to prepare for a transfer. Thankfully, a manual wheelchair was provided for me upon arrival, and our guides from Disabled Accessible Travel were ready to assist.
The transfer from my power wheelchair to the manual one was a smooth process, but the next obstacle was much larger. As we approached the main entrance, we were faced with a step that was probably a foot tall. The guides didn’t hesitate; they lifted me in the manual wheelchair and carried me up the large step, finally getting me inside the magnificent building.
Once through the doors, the initial struggle faded away as I took in the incredible sight before me. The vastness and beauty of the interior were breathtaking. The detailed mosaics and soaring dome created a feeling of awe, and I was completely captivated by the history and grandeur of the space.
I could only visit the lower level as a wheelchair user, but from the lower level, I was able to fully take it in, so I didn’t mind. It’s easy to understand why Hagia Sophia is such a popular world landmark, and words cannot even do it justice. You really have to see it to believe it.
Despite the accessibility issues and the physical effort required to enter the main building, I am so glad I was able to see the Hagia Sophia. The sheer beauty of the interior made every challenge worthwhile. It was a powerful reminder that with a little help and determination, you can overcome obstacles to experience something unforgettable.
After touring the Hagia Sophia, we made our way to the nearby Hagia Sophia Museum, which was just a short walk/roll away. The museum was a welcome relief, as it was fully wheelchair accessible and I was able to use my power wheelchair without any restrictions. This made for a more comfortable and effortless experience, allowing me to fully appreciate the exhibits and learn even more about the rich history of the Hagia Sophia.
Our tour in the Hagia Sophia Museum lasted about 60-90 minutes, but you could easily stay longer. The museum is interactive and does a great job of teaching the history of Hagia Sophia in an interesting way. In my opinion, it’s a must-visit either before or after you experience the actual Hagia Sophia.
Shop in the Grand Bazaar
My visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was an absolutely incredible experience. Unlike many other markets I’ve encountered worldwide, this one is entirely indoors with surprisingly smooth pathways, which was a huge advantage for me in my power wheelchair. It was a relief to navigate the bustling crowds and countless shops without worrying about uneven terrain or cobblestones, allowing me to focus on the amazing sights and sounds.
The accessibility of the shops themselves was a pleasant surprise. While many had a small step at the entrance, I found that I could still see almost everything from the doorway. The shopkeepers were very welcoming and accommodating, often bringing items out for me to get a closer look. This made browsing and shopping a breeze, and I ended up buying way more than I had intended!
Exploring the Grand Bazaar is a true adventure, with over 4,000 shops packed inside its walls. I spent several hours wandering through the different sections, marveling at the vibrant displays of lamps, carpets, jewelry, and spices. The sheer scale and variety of goods available are staggering, and every turn revealed something new and exciting.
I would highly recommend the Grand Bazaar to anyone visiting Istanbul, especially those who use a wheelchair. Its indoor layout and smooth paths make it a much more accessible and enjoyable experience than other outdoor markets. Just be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore because you’ll need at least a few hours to appreciate everything this historic market has to offer.
Roll along Istiklal Caddesi
Visiting Istiklal Caddesi was a fantastic part of our trip in Istanbul. After visiting Taksim Square, we seamlessly transitioned onto this bustling pedestrian street. The number of people was incredible, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that made for lively exploration. Despite the crowds, the smooth, paved surface of the street was a dream for my wheelchair, allowing me to navigate with ease and comfort for a couple hours.
The street is a shopper’s paradise, lined with an endless array of stores. I spent a good amount of time browsing and was thrilled to find some unique items to take home. The accessibility of many of the shops made it easy to get inside and look around, and the variety of goods available, from clothing and books to souvenirs, was impressive. It was a great opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and pick up a few treasures.
As the day turned into evening, we decided to find a place for dinner. Istiklal Caddesi is overflowing with restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine, and we had no trouble finding a spot with an accessible entrance. The meal was delicious, providing a much-needed break from all the exploring and shopping.
A particularly unexpected and delightful part of the visit was stumbling upon a place that offered facials. I was able to get a high-quality facial for a surprisingly low price, which was a real treat! This unplanned stop showed me that Istiklal Caddesi is not just for shopping and dining, but also for unexpected moments of relaxation and indulgence. This charming and accessible street had something for everyone.
Learn about transportation in the Koç Museum
On a colder day in Istanbul, we decided to visit the Koç Museum. It was a welcome escape from the cold and turned out to be one of the best wheelchair accessible Istanbul attractions we visited. The museum is massive and dedicated to the fascinating history of transportation, industry, and communication. It was impressive to see such a wide range of exhibits, from vintage cars and old trains to intricate communication devices. We easily spent several hours exploring, but you could honestly spend a full day here and still not see everything.
I was incredibly impressed with the museum’s accessibility, which made the visit even more enjoyable. They had well-maintained elevators, making it easy to move between the different floors and sections of the expansive buildings. This thoughtful design ensured that I could navigate the entire museum without any issues, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the exhibits. The availability of an accessible restroom was also a huge plus.
Exploring the museum was an interactive experience. I loved seeing the antique cars up close and viewing the variety of old train cars, which were a real highlight. The museum also featured a number of interactive games, which were both fun and educational. It was a great way to engage with the history on display and added a playful element to the visit.
Another wonderful surprise was the Koç Museum’s admission policy. Not only was the museum accessible in terms of its physical layout, but it was also financially accessible. They generously allowed me and one companion to enter for free, which was a very kind and thoughtful gesture. This policy made the visit even more special and demonstrated the museum’s commitment to being welcoming to all visitors.
See all of Türkiye’s highlights at Miniaturk
My visit to Miniaturk was a truly unique and enjoyable experience. This open-air museum, situated on the shores of Istanbul’s Golden Horn, showcases over 100 meticulously crafted miniature models of Türkiye’s most famous landmarks. It was amazing to see so many iconic structures, from the Hagia Sophia to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, all in one place. The outdoor setting made for a beautiful and refreshing stroll, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to explore such a unique “museum”.
Navigating Miniaturk in my power wheelchair was a breeze. The entire park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring smooth, paved pathways that made rolling around effortless. I didn’t have to worry about any uneven surfaces or tricky terrain, which allowed me to fully focus on the incredible details of each miniature model. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the park accessible for all visitors.
The layout of the park ensured that I could get a perfect view of everything. The pathways were wide enough to maneuver comfortably, and the models were placed at a height that made it easy to see all the intricate details. I could easily roll right up to each display, giving me a fantastic perspective on these miniature wonders. I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything and was able to appreciate every single replica.
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Miniaturk offers a fantastic way to experience the highlights of Türkiye in a condensed and accessible format. The combination of beautiful landscaping and impressive miniature replicas makes for a memorable visit. The seamless accessibility of the park, with its smooth paths and thoughtful design, made it one of the most wheelchair-friendly attractions I visited. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone traveling to Istanbul, regardless of their mobility.
Watch my short video below about the best wheelchair accessible Istanbul attractions!
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Where to Stay: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
While in Istanbul, I stayed at the beautiful Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. This hotel was gorgeous, had friendly staff, multiple onsite restaurants (the Italian restaurant was particularly AMAZING!), and it was in a great area… just a short drive from many of the best wheelchair accessible Istanbul attractions!
My wheelchair accessible room worked perfectly for my needs. The room was fairly spacious and the bed was 23 inches tall. There was also plenty of clearance underneath the bed for a hoist/hoyer lift. The room fit three people since the hotel added a rollaway bed for us.
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In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower with smooth entry. A fold-down seat was available in the shower. I was really impressed by the accessibility of the bathroom, and I couldn’t have asked for a better hotel in Istanbul for my accessibility needs.
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If you are looking for a great wheelchair accessible hotel in Istanbul, consider the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. To learn more about the hotel or book a room of your own, just click here.
Overall, my trip to Istanbul was an unforgettable experience that proved that with a little research and the right support, traveling to the city as a wheelchair user is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. From the breathtaking history of Hagia Sophia to the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar and the serene beauty of Miniaturk, Istanbul offers a wealth of accessible attractions. I was thrilled to discover how many parts of this magnificent city were accommodating, and I left feeling inspired.
The challenges I faced were small compared to the incredible moments I experienced. With the help of guides and the general kindness of the Turkish people, I was able to overcome obstacles and fully immerse myself in the culture and beauty of Istanbul. I hope this guide helps you feel empowered to explore the magic of Istanbul for yourself. This magnificent city is an accessible and inviting destination for travelers of all abilities.
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